Stretching device and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a device for performing stretching exercises for alleviation of pain, the device including a main pole comprising a right stick and left stick and an upper telescopic pipe and a lower telescopic pipe disposed therebetween, a stretching pole with an attached holding stick disposed generally perpendicularly to an upper end thereof and a leaning stick disposed generally perpendicularly to the main pole at an upper end thereof, wherein the main pole is connected to the stretching pole via a hinge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and methods, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for stretching.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people suffer from chronic pain. Often the chronic pain is in the neck, back or legs. Many exercise devices have been invented, but there still remains an unmet need for devices which correct poor posture, reduce neck, back or leg pain and reduce chronic pain.

Some prior art devices exist which allow stretching of the back muscles, without any significant effect to neck and leg muscles. These devices do not alleviate leg pain, associated with back pain. Moreover, they often fail to treat the back pain itself and/or to align the neck, back and legs so as to alleviate pain and/or inflammation.

There thus remains an unmet need for exercise devices which alleviate back pain, as well as correctly aligning the back, neck and legs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide improved exercise equipment and methods

In some embodiments of the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for stretching the human body

In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and device is described for providing rehabilitative exercises.

In additional embodiments for the present invention, a method and device is described for providing physiotherapeutic exercises.

The present invention further provides methods for performing stretching exercises, using the device and apparatus as illustrated herein.

The devices of the present invention advantageously allow stretching of not only back muscles, but also leg and neck muscles.

The devices of the present invention advantageously alleviate back pain, as well as correctly aligning the back, neck and legs of a person.

The present invention provides a collapsible device for performing stretching exercises for alleviation of pain, the device including a main pole comprising a right stick and left stick and an upper telescopic pipe and a lower telescopic pipe disposed therebetween, a stretching pole with an attached holding stick disposed generally perpendicularly to an upper end thereof and a leaning stick disposed generally perpendicularly to the main pole at an upper end thereof, wherein the main pole is connected to the stretching pole via a hinge.

The present invention further provides method for performing stretching exercises for alleviation of pain, the methods including using a device including a main pole comprising a right stick and left stick and an upper telescopic pipe and a lower telescopic pipe disposed therebetween, a stretching pole with an attached holding stick disposed generally perpendicularly to an upper end thereof and a leaning stick disposed generally perpendicularly to the main pole at an upper end thereof, wherein the main pole is connected to the stretching pole via a hinge.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, a collapsible device for performing stretching exercises, the device including;

-   -   a. a main pole including a right stick and left stick and an         upper telescopic pipe and a lower telescopic pipe disposed         therebetween;     -   b. a stretching pole with an attached holding stick disposed         generally perpendicularly to an upper end thereof; and     -   c. a leaning stick disposed generally perpendicularly to the         main pole at an upper end thereof;

wherein the main pole is connected to the stretching pole via a hinge.

The stretching exercises may include simultaneous stretching of the back, legs and neck.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main pole further includes a step stick and a base at a lower end thereof.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stretching pole further includes a stretching telescopic pipe disposed therein.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the leaning stick further includes two handles, each disposed over one end of the holding stick.

Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stretching telescopic pipe includes a first plurality of holes along a length thereof.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stretching stick includes a second plurality of holes geometrically matching the first plurality of holes.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper telescopic pipe includes a third plurality of holes along a length thereof.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main pole includes a fourth plurality of holes geometrically matching the third plurality of holes.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower telescopic pipe includes a fifth plurality of holes along a length thereof.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main pole includes a sixth plurality of holes geometrically matching the third plurality of holes.

Importantly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the device is adapted for a user to apply a downward force F1, thereby stretching his back and leg muscles.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for a user to perform a stretching exercise, the method including;

-   -   a. providing a opened device, as described herein,     -   b. placing the base against a solid support;     -   c. placing a front body part on the leaning stick; and     -   d. moving the holding stick downwards thereby stretching at         least one of a body back part and a body leg part of the user.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes adjusting a length of at least one of the an upper telescopic pipe, the lower telescopic pipe and the stretching telescopic pipe to match a body dimension of the user, prior to the exercise.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, moving the holding stick downwards forms a downwards force, F1.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the downwards force, F1, is triangulated with an outward horizontal force F3 and upwards force F2.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes performing steps a. to c. a number of times.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes:

-   -   e. adjusting a length of the stretching pole or the main pole to         adjust an angle, alpha, therebetween.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes performing steps a. to d. or steps a. to e. a number of times.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes performing steps a. to d. or steps a. to e. a number of times at different angles.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes performing the stretching exercises for 1-10, 2-9, 3-8 or 4-7 minutes per exercise session.

Importantly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the exercise alleviates at least one of a muscle pain, a back pain, an arm pain, a shoulder pain, a bodily pain, a joint pain, a spinal pain and combinations thereof.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for treating a body pain including, performing exercises as described herein.

EMBODIMENTS

-   -   1. 1. A device for performing stretching exercises the device         comprising:         -   a. a main pole with an attached leaning stick disposed             generally perpendicularly to said main pole at an upper end             thereof         -   b. a stretching pole with an attached holding stick disposed             generally perpendicularly to an upper end thereof;     -   wherein said stretching pole is connected to said main pole via         a hinge near the opposite end of the holding stick, as so to         allow the stretching pole to pivot around the hinge in relation         to the main pole.     -   2. A device according to embodiment 1, wherein said main pole         further comprises an upper telescopic pipe and a lower         telescopic that allow adjusting the overall length of the main         pole.     -   3. A device according to embodiment 1, wherein the stretching         pole comprises a telescopic pipe that allows adjusting the         overall length of the leaning stick.     -   4. A device according to embodiment 1, wherein said main pole         further comprises a step stick and a base at a lower end         thereof.     -   5. A device according to embodiment 3, wherein said leaning         stick further comprises two handles, each disposed over one end         of said holding stick.     -   6. A device according to embodiment 3, wherein said stretching         telescopic pipe comprises a first plurality of holes along a         length thereof.     -   7. A device according to embodiment 3, wherein said stretching         stick comprises a second plurality of holes geometrically         matching said first plurality of holes.     -   8. A device according to embodiment 2, wherein said upper         telescopic pipe comprises a third plurality of holes along a         length thereof.     -   9. A device according to embodiment 2, wherein said main pole         comprises a fourth plurality of holes geometrically matching         said third plurality of holes.     -   10. A device according to embodiment 2, wherein said lower         telescopic pipe comprises a fifth plurality of holes along a         length thereof.     -   11. A device according to embodiment 2, wherein said main pole         comprises a sixth plurality of holes geometrically matching said         third plurality of holes.     -   12. A device according to embodiment 1, adapted for a user to         apply a downward force F1, thereby stretching his back and leg         muscles.     -   13. A method for a user to perform a stretching exercise, the         method comprising:         -   a. providing a opened device according to embodiment 2,         -   b. placing the base against a solid support;         -   c. placing a front body part on the leaning stick; and         -   d. moving the holding stick downwards thereby stretching at             least one of a body back part and a body leg part of said             user.     -   14. A method according to embodiment 13, further comprising         adjusting a length of at least one of said an upper telescopic         pipe, said lower telescopic pipe and said stretching telescopic         pipe to match a body dimension of said user, prior to said         exercise.     -   15. A method according to embodiment 13, wherein said moving the         holding stick forms a downwards force, F1.     -   16. A method according to embodiment 15, wherein said downwards         force, F1, is triangulated with an outward horizontal force F3         and upwards force F2.     -   17. A method according to embodiment 13, further comprising         -   e. adjusting a length of the stretching pole or the main             pole to adjust an angle, alpha, therebetween.     -   18. A method according to embodiment 17, further comprising         performing steps a. to e. at different angles a number of times.     -   19. A method according to embodiment 12, further comprising         performing said stretching exercises for 1-10, 2-9, 3-8 or 4-7         minutes per exercise session.     -   20. A method according to embodiment 19, wherein said exercise         alleviates at least one of a muscle pain, a back pain, an arm         pain, a shoulder pain, a bodily pain, a joint pain, a spinal         pain and combinations thereof.     -   21 A method for treating a body pain comprising, performing         exercises according to embodiment 18.     -   22. A device for performing stretching exercises, the device         comprising:         -   a. a main pole with an attached leaning stick disposed             generally perpendicularly to said main pole at an upper end             thereof         -   b. a stretching pole with an attached holding stick disposed             generally perpendicularly to an upper end thereof;     -   wherein said main pole is connected to said stretching pole via         a hinge at the opposite end of the holding stick, as so to allow         the stretching pole to pivot around the hinge in relation to the         main pole.     -   23. A device according to embodiment 22, wherein said main pole         further comprises an upper telescopic pipe and a lower         telescopic that allow adjusting the overall length of the main         pole.     -   24. A device according to embodiment 22, wherein the stretching         pole further comprises a telescopic pipe that allow adjusting         the overall length of the stretching pole.     -   25. A device according to embodiment 22, wherein the lower part         of the main pole is a base.     -   26. A device according to embodiment 1 or 22, wherein said         device is for performing stretching exercises of muscles of the         back and legs simultaneously.     -   27. A method according to embodiment 14, wherein said stretching         exercises stretch muscles of the back and legs of a user         simultaneously.     -   28. A method according to embodiment 27, wherein said stretching         exercises stretch muscles of the back, torso and legs of a user         simultaneously.     -   29. A method according to embodiment 27, wherein said stretching         exercises stretch muscles of the back, torso, neck and legs of a         user simultaneously.     -   30. A method according to embodiment 27, wherein said stretching         exercises alleviates at least one of a muscle pain, a back pain,         an arm pain, a shoulder pain, a bodily pain, a joint pain, a         spinal pain and combinations thereof.     -   31. A method according to embodiment 13, wherein said stretching         exercises correctly aligning a back, a neck and at least one leg         of a user.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration showing a side view of a device for performing exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration showing a vertical section view of collapsed device for performing exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic illustration showing a person performing an exercise with the device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic illustration showing angles and forces of the device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is another simplified schematic illustration showing angles and forces of the device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart of a method for using a stretching device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specific embodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also in different ways that embody the characterizing features of the invention as described and claimed herein.

The present invention shows a device that assists in stretching the spine, shoulder blades and arms.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified schematic illustration showing a side view of a device 100 for performing exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 is a side view of the device. It consists of 2 main components: a main pole 1 and a stretching pole 2. It should be understood that the device can be constructed from any suitable material or materials. The poles of the invention may be replaced, according to some embodiments by any suitable support element of a similar length.

Turning to FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration showing a vertical section view of the device 100 for performing exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an upper view of the device when the stretching pole 2 is separated from the main pole 1 and placed besides it. The main pole consists of a right stick 12 and a left stick 13 and a hinge/pin/screw 11. Between these right and left sticks there is an upper telescopic pipe 14 and a lower telescopic pipe 20. These pipes are attached to the sticks 12, 13 by welding screws (not shown) or other customary acceptable way.

To the upper telescopic pipe 14, a leaning stick 15 is inserted, in a telescopic fashion. To the leaning stick, a padded support part 16 is fastened. It is fastened vertically, in one of the customary acceptable way such as welding, screws, a plastic coupling etc.

Into a lower telescopic pipe 20, a step stick 21 is inserted in a telescopic fashion. At the lower part of the step stick there is a base 22. The base is constructed to contact the ground firmly, and made out of rubber or other suitable material to prevent slipping.

The stretching pole, as it is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, consists of a telescopic pipe 30 and inserted therein a stick 31. To the stick 31, is attached at a 90 degree angle, a grabbing stick 32. In FIG. 2, at both sides of the grabbing stick 32, two grabbing handles are shown 33 and 34. These handles are built of materials that allow a firm comfortable grip.

In FIG. 2, one can see that at the tip of the stick 31, there are a number of holes 35. In the telescopic pipe 30, there are few holes 36, too. When the stick 31 is inserted into the telescopic pipe 30, the holes are configured to be affixed by insertion of a pin. The pin may be a spring activated pin. One can insert a pin (not shown) through the holes 35 and 36, thereby adjusting the overall length of the stretching pole. In a same fashion, one may adjust the length of the leaning stick 15 and the step stick 21.

It should be understood that many permutations and alterations to this embodiment are possible and are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention, though not shown in the figures. For example, there may be one, two three or more telescopic pipes or other elements in the main pole 1 and one, two three or more telescopic pipes within stick 31. The telescopic pipes or elements may be within/outside the pipe/stick and many arrangements are possible.

In FIG. 2, in the upper tip of the telescopic pipe 30, dotted lines mark a hole. This pipe is inserted in between the right stick 12 and the left stick 13. A hinge 11 goes through the holes in both sticks and a hole in the pipe, in a way that allows the stretching pole 2 to pivot around the hinge in relation to the main pole.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic illustration showing a person performing an exercise with the device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3 a person using the device is shown and performs stretch in the side view. The user 40 lays the base 22 in a corner in the room, to prevent the main pole 1 slide forward. In some cases, the device may be used even without such support of the base 22.

The user positions the padded stick 16 in a hip area, for example. He/she can adjust the length of the main pole 1 in the way described herein, in order to position the padded stick 16 to his preferred position and/or location.

Now the user leans forward, around the padded stick 16 and stretches his arms. He holds the grabbing handles 33 and 34. In this way, the body weight of the user applies a downward force on the handles, described as F1 in FIG. 3. This force creates momentum on the stretching pole 2 that on its own tries to push around the hinge 11 and applies its own force marked as F3 that stretches the user's upper body.

The segment of the main pole 1 is marked as “a” in FIG. 3 and a segment of the stretching pole 2 is marked as “b”. The upper body of the user is marked as “c”, which creates a triangle with “a” and “b”. In front of segment “c” an angle is formed, marked as “α”. This angle can be adjusted by changes the lengths of the main pole 1 and the stretching pole 2, as described above.

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic illustration showing angles and forces of the device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is another simplified schematic illustration showing angles and forces of the device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic drawings, which describe the forces that assist in stretching the upper body of the user. FIG. 4 shows segments “a,” “b” and “c”, part of main pole, part of the stretching pole and the upper body of the user, respectfully. As the body of the user applies force F1, the segment “b” of the stretching pole is pressed to the hinge 11, and the pole creates a counter pressure, defined as F2. Forces F1 and F3 create a vector equalized force, F2, which applies a stretching force to the upper body of the user.

As explained above, one can adjust the length of segments “a” and “b” and while doing so change angle “α”.

In FIG. 5, these segments are shown in other lengths, so the angle is larger. Thus, by adjusting the device this way, the stretching forces that will affect the user are increased.

In some cases, the device may comprise a ball joint connecting parts main pole 1 and stretching pole 2, which allows a user to turn sideways.

The two poles 1, 2 of the device constructed separately, and are both extendable, the length of the base foot 22 can also be adjusted.

Use of device 100—the user stands and places the base of the device on the floor or facing the wall at an angle, with the leaning hand placed in the center of the front of the front body under the user's waist. See FIG. 3.

Both hands are held forward, holding the handlebars (placed on the traction handle) and pushing forward, with the force and weight of the user's body.

Thus, the body receives a forward bend, which creates a stretched prank on the back muscles and spine, all in one short exercise of 4-8 minutes, with a relatively easy effort.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified flowchart of a method 600 for using a stretching device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In a device assembling step 602, a user assembles the device. This step may be performed according to common sense and/or according to instructions and/or numbered pictures appearing on the device, device box and/or instruction manual (not shown).

In a placing body step 604, the user places his/her body over the device and holds the grabbing stick 32.

Thereafter, the user performs one or more stretching exercises in an exercising step 606.

The user may optionally adapt the device in an adapting device step 608, by changing the length of any of the movable/telescopic parts, per the descriptions in FIGS. 1-5 hereinabove. The user can then perform the same/different stretching exercises.

The more the user pushes forward, the stronger the pressure on the user's back and leg muscles. It is advisable to stretch gradually and with reasonable pressure. It is recommended to work with the device between 4 and 8 minutes, every day.

How to use the device—for people who do not do sports at all, it is recommended to open the device in to a maximal length for each telescopic pipe.

When using the device propped up against a wall, it is always better to face the wall.

When working on the floor, one can change the position of the pins to change the user's support angle. Is it possible to isolate certain muscles during traction.

In the poles (also called ribs) of the device of the present invention, one can change the length of each pole/stick separately, extend or shorten by changing the position of the spring or pin with a telescope pipes/elements/parts.

By estimating or shortening the length of the ribs in the user's endurance posture, the angles of the upper triangle are changed, the angle changes are isolated from muscle groups, and controlled and balanced pressure pressures are applied in different areas of the body.

Additional exercises of stretching and strengthening muscles can be performed with the device.

Most of the stretching tension to the muscles is achieved in exercises performed, when the user is standing up.

It is important to know that when one starts using the appliance, if one works correctly with one's device according to one's physical body shape and physical condition, one will feel more pressure in the muscles that are less flexible in one's body. After using the device, it is anticipated that one will feel that the tension is controlled and balanced in all the muscles.

There are several parameters that determine the method of stretching and which area of the body will be more noticeable traction, for example:

-   -   a) In the leg muscles.     -   b) Hip.     -   c) Lower back.     -   d) Upper back.

Of course the stretch is applied simultaneously to all the muscles, only one might feel more pressure in different areas.

The devices of the present invention allow a user to:

1. Perform the traction standing.

2. Stretch many muscles and/or organs in one exercise.

3. Tries to activate different stretches in different parts of the body.

4. Perform the exercise for a short time and with a relatively easy effort for stretching exercises.

5. The traction is carried out by the user's power, with no resistance force.

6. Controlled stretching by the user.

7. The traction is balanced throughout the body.

8. Controlled and balanced stretching of the spine in addition to the large amount of muscles in the human body.

9. Bend the body forward and stretching the spine, at an angle that does not allow the vertebrae to touch each other and closes the possibility of damaging the vertebrae.

10. Adjusting the device to different types of users,

A. According to the height of the user.

B. User flexibility.

The references cited herein teach many principles that are applicable to the present invention. Therefore the full contents of these publications are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims. 

1. A device for performing stretching exercises the device comprising: a. a main pole with an attached leaning stick disposed generally perpendicularly to said main pole at an upper end thereof b. a stretching pole with an attached holding stick disposed generally perpendicularly to an upper end thereof; wherein said stretching pole is connected to said main pole via a hinge near the opposite end of the holding stick, as so to allow the stretching pole to pivot around the hinge in relation to the main pole.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said main pole further comprises a upper telescopic pipe and a lower telescopic that allow adjusting the overall length of the main pole.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the stretching pole comprises a telescopic pipe that allows adjusting the overall length of the leaning stick.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said main pole further comprises a step stick and a base at a lower end thereof.
 5. A device according to claim 3, wherein said leaning stick further comprises two handles, each disposed over one end of said holding stick.
 6. A device according to claim 3, wherein said stretching telescopic pipe comprises a first plurality of holes along a length thereof.
 7. A device according to claim 3, wherein said stretching stick comprises a second plurality of holes geometrically matching said first plurality of holes.
 8. A device according to claim 2, wherein said upper telescopic pipe comprises a third plurality of holes along a length thereof.
 9. A device according to claim 2, wherein said main pole comprises a fourth plurality of holes geometrically matching said third plurality of holes.
 10. A device according to claim 2, wherein said lower telescopic pipe comprises a fifth plurality of holes along a length thereof.
 11. A device according to claim 2, wherein said main pole comprises a sixth plurality of holes geometrically matching said third plurality of holes.
 12. A device according to claim 1, adapted for a user to apply a downward force F1, thereby stretching his back and leg muscles.
 13. A method for a user to perform a stretching exercise, the method comprising: a. providing a device according to claim 1 in an open position, b. placing the base against a solid support; c. placing a front body part on the leaning stick; and d. moving the holding stick downwards thereby stretching at least one of a body back part and a body leg part of said user.
 14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising adjusting a length of at least one of said an upper telescopic pipe, said lower telescopic pipe and said stretching telescopic pipe to match a body dimension of said user, prior to said exercise.
 15. A method according to claim 13, wherein said moving the holding stick forms a downwards force, F1.
 16. A method according to claim 13, further comprising e. adjusting a length of the stretching pole or the main pole to adjust an angle, alpha, therebetween.
 17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising performing steps a. to e. at different angles a number of times.
 18. A method according to claim 13, further comprising performing said stretching exercises for 1-10, 2-9, 3-8 or 4-7 minutes per exercise session.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said exercise alleviates at least one of a muscle pain, a back pain, an arm pain, a shoulder pain, a bodily pain, a joint pain, a spinal pain and combinations thereof.
 20. A method for treating a body pain comprising, performing exercises according to claim
 18. 